Uzbekistan’s business confidence rose sharply in January 2026, reflecting stronger expectations among entrepreneurs, the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) reports. The composite business climate index reached 64 points, marking a 23% increase over the year.
The improvement was driven by better assessments of current conditions and growing optimism for the next three months. Around 22% of companies have already increased staff, while 71% expect higher demand in the coming quarter. Firms planning to expand their workforce rose to 65%.
Agriculture saw the strongest boost, with the index jumping to 77 from 48 a year earlier. Almost half of agribusinesses reported rising demand. The services sector climbed to 65 points, with expectations indicating stronger short-term confidence. Construction also improved, reaching 61 points as companies reported higher employment and anticipated demand.
Industry recorded a slight decline to 54 points, but expectations remained positive, with most companies planning to expand staff.
More than half of entrepreneurs (57%) reported no major barriers to their operations. Among the challenges cited, taxes, utilities, and access to finance were the most frequently mentioned.
